A MAN was arrested on suspicion of indecent exposure in what was the second alleged sex crime onboard a c2c train in just two days.

Essex Police officers arrested a 35-year-old man at Southend Central station during the evening rush-hour.

A man had reportedly exposed himself in front of another passenger while travelling on a c2c service from London Fenchurch Street to Shoebury.

More needs to be done to protect women travelling along the rail network, according to Southend West MP Anna Firth. 

She has held crunch talks with Home Secretary Priti Patel to raise her concerns.

“I was horrified to hear of these totally unacceptable incidents,” Ms Firth said.

“No-one, especially women, should feel unsafe when they are travelling, and it is clear that much more must be done to ensure that women are not assaulted on our transit network.

"I have contacted c2c and the police directly in relation to safety aboard our local train services.”

Ms Firth added: “I am fighting to ensure that we have more police targeted to where they are most needed."

An Essex Police spokesman said: "A man has been arrested on suspicion of indecent exposure following an incident in Southend.

"A 35 year-old man is currently in custody."

Only two days before the arrest, a woman was sexually assaulted on a c2c service from Upminster to Pitsea.

British Transport Police has launched an investigation into the incident.

A relative of the victim has claimed the attacker got off the train at Pitsea after being challenged by another male passenger.  

Iain Palmer, head of security at c2c, said: "Whilst we cannot comment specifically in regards to ongoing investigations, we work very closely with The British Transport Police in relation to all crimes, including safeguarding and those of a sexual nature.

"We also assist by providing any relevant CCTV where this is available.

"c2c carry out joint operations with the BTP regularly, both in the Southend area, and across the wider c2c route.

"Recently we participated in Operation Henderson, a joint venture with many partners including both Essex Police and BTP, around awareness of young people to sexual and criminal exploitation on the railway."